| Unit name | Photonics SkillsForge |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EEMEM0004 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Edmund Harbord |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
Photonics – the creation, manipulation, and detection of photons – underpins our modern world, and is key to a wide range of technologies including the internet. This unit will give you the practical skills – both in terms of lab-based experimental skills as well as theoretical modelling and simulation. You’ll learn how to couple light into fibres and waveguides, how components of a photonic integrated circuit transport, control, and manipulate light, and use some of these components in the laboratory. You will also use COMSOL, Lumerical, or a similar photonic modelling software package to design these components.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit is mandatory for the relevant PGT programmes of study. In all programmes of study, the unit prepares students for practical work in academia or in industry.
An overview of content
You will undertake practical and simulation activities drawn from a range of fields. For the practical element, these may include:
You will undertake simulation exercises structured around the sub-systems of a Photonic Integrated Circuit and undertake a mini-project focused on the design of a photonic integrated circuit.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will be able to operate in a photonics or optoelectronics company in the laboratory and be able to simulate photonics devices and systems using software. They will have the skills to design a photonic integrated circuit and the skills to be able to test a pre-made PIC.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit the student will be able to:
A blend of pre-recorded asynchronous videos and live lecture sessions will be used to cover the content of the unit, coupled by in person study sessions to use the software for the simulation exercises, and “pop-up labs”. Continuous feedback will be applied across the entire set of teaching activities.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
You will have regular simulation exercises and regular practical exercises. These will be followed by a group mini-project using the simulation skills you have acquired.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
100%-weighted coursework consisting of an individual report (approximately 1500 words) and a presentation on the mini project. This coursework will assess all LOs.
When assessment does not go to plan
In the event of unsatisfactory performance in the assessment, there may be an opportunity to resubmit coursework focused on the learning objectives of this unit.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EEMEM0004).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
